GPEN

The GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) exam focuses on the practical application of penetration testing methodologies. Here are the main points covered, categorized for clarity:

I. Planning & Scoping:

• Understanding the engagement: Defining objectives, scope, and limitations of a penetration test. This includes legal and ethical considerations.
• Developing a test plan: Creating a structured plan outlining methodology, timelines, and reporting expectations.
• Identifying targets and vulnerabilities: Defining the systems and applications to be tested, and understanding potential vulnerabilities.
• Risk assessment and management: Identifying and prioritizing potential risks based on likelihood and impact.

II. Reconnaissance & Information Gathering:

• Passive and active reconnaissance: Gathering information about the target systems and network without directly interacting with them (passive), and actively probing for information (active). This includes techniques like DNS enumeration, port scanning, and network mapping.
• Footprinting: Gathering information about the target organization, including its structure, employees, and technologies.
• Open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering: Utilizing publicly available resources to gather information about the target.

III. Vulnerability Analysis & Exploitation:

• Identifying vulnerabilities: Using automated and manual techniques to discover vulnerabilities in systems and applications.
• Exploiting vulnerabilities: Successfully compromising systems and applications by leveraging identified vulnerabilities. This includes understanding different exploitation techniques and payloads.
• Privilege escalation: Gaining higher-level access within a compromised system.
• Vulnerability assessment tools: Understanding and using various vulnerability scanners and penetration testing tools (e.g., Nessus, Metasploit).

IV. Post-Exploitation & Reporting:

• Maintaining access: Establishing persistent access to compromised systems.
• Data exfiltration: Extracting sensitive data from compromised systems.
• Malware analysis (basic): Understanding malware behavior and techniques.
• Report writing: Creating professional and comprehensive reports detailing the penetration testing process, findings, and recommendations.

V. Security Hardening & Defence Mechanisms:

• Understanding security controls: Knowing how various security controls (firewalls, intrusion detection systems, etc.) work and how to bypass them (ethically, during a penetration test).
• Identifying weaknesses in security configurations: Spotting vulnerabilities introduced by improper configuration of systems and applications.

VI. Specific Technologies & Protocols:

The GPEN exam covers a broad range of technologies, including but not limited to:

• Networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, routing protocols, subnetting.
• Web application security: OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, common web application attacks.
• Wireless security: Understanding Wi-Fi protocols (WPA2, WPA3) and attacks.
• Operating systems: Knowledge of Windows and Linux systems is crucial.

In short: The GPEN exam doesn't focus on memorization, but on demonstrating practical, hands-on skills in penetration testing methodology and ethical hacking. The candidate must be able to plan, execute, and report on a penetration test effectively. The emphasis is on realistic scenarios and the application of knowledge in a dynamic environment.